For many of us in Wellesley, Natick, Needham & Weston the winter season brings visions of the holidays, winter sports and nights sitting around the fireplace wrapped up in a comforter sipping on our favorite hot drinks. For others it causes headaches and sleepless nights of cold or worries over a soaring energy bill.
Instead of worrying, there are things that can be done to limit the damage to our wallet, and still keep you and your family safe and comfortable during the winter months. Here are some “easy to do” energy saving tips to try:
- GET A HOME ENERGY AUDIT-most companies will do this for free.
- CLEAN & MAINTAIN YOUR HEATING SYSTEM
- REPLACE BROKEN WINDOWS & DOORS
- INSULATE YOUR WINDOWS
- SEAL ALL LEAKS IN YOUR HOME- including where cables & pipes come into the home and around sump pump.
- WEATHERSTRIP- Windows & Doors
- REPAIR ROOF DAMAGE- REPLACE IF NECESSARY
- MAINTAIN, REPAIR OR REPLACE WATER HEATER
- WRAP (INSULATE) WATER HEATER
- CLEAN FIREPLACE/CHIMNEY BEFORE SEASONAL USE
- ADD ADDITIONAL INSULATION to attic, basement, exterior walls.
A few other things to do ……:
- Unplug all unused appliances, and electrical components
- Use Energy Star Products
- Install Programmable Thermostats
- Always turn off lights in rooms not being used
- Turn down thermostat at night time
- Make sure curtains are open during daytime (Sunshine) hours
- Clear all Heating Vents of furniture or blocks of any kind
Keep in mind that if you are planning on selling your home, buyers are very conscience of energy costs associated with a home. Buyers will always ask for the prior heating and cooling records for that home. Anything you can do to make your home more energy efficient will not only help you, but will also help you sell your home at a later time. Buyers at this time are not just looking for the home to be the “beautiful home” on the outside….they need it to be the “energy efficient” home on the inside for them to grab it when it goes on the market.
If you are a Metrowest homeowner and find yourself in need of assistance this home heating season, follow this link for more information: MASS ASSIST
If you're interested in more tips or information on becoming a homeowner in the Metrowest MA area give us a call, stop in our office or check out our website at www.teamlynchrealestate.com.
